Sexual predator may be headed back to prison

A man classified as a sexually violent predator was arrested in Jacumba Monday for allegedly violating the terms of his release, according to authorities in the District Attorney’s Office.

David Mark Chambless, 49, was arrested without incident around 5 p.m. at his home on Old Highway 80, where he had been allowed to live under supervision. He is not accused of committing any new sex crimes.

Deputy District Attorney Phyllis Shess said Chambless recently made “incidental verbal contact” with a 17-year-old female, possessed sexually stimulating material, failed a polygraph examination and had pepper spray in his possession, all of which are violations of his conditional release.

Shess said officials with Liberty Healthcare, the firm that monitors sexually violent predators in communities throughout the state, are expected to submit a letter to a San Diego Superior Court judge by Wednesday detailing the alleged violations. She said Liberty will recommend that Chambless be returned to a state mental hospital for additional treatment.

Chambless was convicted in 1990 of molesting two girls, ages 7 and 9, and was sentenced to 16 years in prison. After serving his prison term, he was sent to Atascadero State Hospital in San Luis Obispo County, then transferred to Coalinga State Hospital in Fresno County.

Of the five sexually violent predators released under supervision in San Diego County since 2005, four have been sent back to the Coalinga hospital. All but one were accused of violating the terms of their release.